This is an activity about spacecraft design. Teams of learners will model how scientists and engineers design and build spacecraft to collect, store, and transmit data to earth. Teams will design a system to store and transmit topographic data of...(View More) the Moon and then analyze that data and compare it to data collected by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter .(View Less)

The sustainability of the Nile as a water resource is investigated using maps, photos, data, graphs and a role-playing activity. Student groups will represent each of the 10 countries in the Nile River Basin. Data cards are provided for students to...(View More) gather information on each country, including current and projected population, water status, water management issues and water resource goals. That information is shared, discussed and evaluated at a simulated meeting of the countries. The URL opens to the investigation directory, with links to teacher and student materials, lesson extensions, resources, teaching tips, and assessment strategies. This is Investigation 3 of four found in the Grades 9-12 Module 1 of Mission Geography. The Mission Geography curriculum integrates data and images from NASA missions with the National Geography Standards. Each of the four investigations in Module 1, while related, can be done independently.(View Less)

The use or abuse of the Chesapeake Bay is examined and discussed in the form of a student role-playing activity. Each student gathers relevant background information and formulates questions from briefing cards included in the investigation. Ten...(View More) students assume character roles: each is provided with biographical information, a list of answers to potential questions and a list of points to be made during their testimony. Each character must also prepare a supplemental visual (Landsat image, map, graph, photo, diagram). Following the role-play, the class must make a policy recommendation for improving the Chesapeake Bay. The URL opens to the investigation directory, with links to teacher and student materials, lesson extensions, resources, teaching tips, and assessment strategies. This is Investigation 1 of four found in the Grades 9-12 Module 1 of Mission Geography. The Mission Geography curriculum integrates data and images from NASA missions with the National Geography Standards. Each of the four investigations in Module 1, while related, can be done independently.(View Less)